Your stay — Downtown Hostel
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The Property — Downtown Hostel
The Downtown Hostel in Florianopolis is a no-frills, 3-star accommodation that exudes a laid-back, social vibe. Its compact lobby features a mix of modern and colonial-style decor, with a bright, airy feel. The hostel's urban location near the city's main bus station makes it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers who want to explore the city's historic centre on foot. This is a solid option for solo travellers, backpackers, and small groups seeking a hassle-free, moderately priced place to rest their heads.
Chronicles of Florianopolis
Florianopolis, the capital of the state of Santa Catarina, was founded in 1726 by German colonists and has since evolved into a vibrant cultural hub. The city's historic centre features a unique blend of colonial, Art Nouveau, and modern architecture, with many buildings showcasing the city's German heritage. Today, Florianopolis is known for its stunning beaches, world-class surfing, and a thriving arts scene. The city's Lagoa da Conceição and Mole Beach are must-visit spots for those interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. The city's relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings have made it a popular destination for tourists and digital nomads alike.
Best Time to Visit
Full Florianopolis guide →Best months
The best months to visit Florianopolis are January and February, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 27°C (81°F), and the crowds are relatively manageable. March is also a good option, as the weather is still pleasant, and the summer crowds haven't yet arrived.
Peak / festival surge
December is the peak tourist month in Florianopolis, with prices for accommodations skyrocketing due to the city's New Year's Eve celebrations. The city hosts several festivals and events during this time, including the Festa de Iemanjá, which attracts large crowds and drives up prices.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season for Florianopolis is from April to May, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Prices for accommodations are lower, and you can find decent deals on flights and hotels.
Weather & packing
Florianopolis is known for its sudden rain showers, so it's essential to pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Try to avoid visiting during the peak summer months (December to February) when the heat and humidity can be intense.
Live City Briefing — Florianopolis
- The city's main bus station, Rodoviária de Florianopolis, is currently undergoing renovations and may cause minor disruptions to public transportation.
- A new cafe, Cafe do Mercado, has opened in the historic centre, offering a wide range of specialty coffee drinks and delicious pastries.
- The city's popular Lagoa da Conceição beach has been closed temporarily due to maintenance work on the beach's infrastructure, but is expected to reopen soon.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Downtown Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the higher floors (4th floor or above) for better views of the city and reduced noise from the street. The hotel has a lift, so you won't have to worry about climbing stairs.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, as it may be noisy, especially during peak hours. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance might experience some noise from staff and deliveries.
Best views
You can expect views of the surrounding cityscape, with possible glimpses of the ocean from higher floors, given the hotel's location on a hill.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above are likely to be quieter, given the hotel's location on a busy street.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise from Rua Anita Garibaldi, which can be busy and lively, especially at night.
Insider tips
Park on the street, as parking is free, but be mindful of parking restrictions. Request a room with a hair dryer, as it's not guaranteed for all rooms.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Downtown Hostel
Free fibre-optic internet throughout the hostel, no login constraints
Yes, serves all floors; historic building with original wooden staircase on 3rd floor
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices, physical papers available in main lounge
08:00 to 22:00; early bag-drop available from 08:00; R$ 20.00 late check-out fee (up to 14:00)
available at front desk, free for up to 24 hours
Step-free access; wheelchair accessible entrance and rooms; no structural limitations
On-site parking available for R$ 25.00 per night; nearest public car park (Estacionamento do Mercado) 5 minutes' walk, R$ 20.00 per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R$ 5.00 per night per person (Monday to Thursday), R$ 7.00 per night per person (Friday to Sunday)
Deposit & card hold: R$ 50.00 advance deposit + R$ 200.00 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Igreja da Graça (30 m · ~1 min walk)
- Church: Catedral Metropolitana (86 m · ~1 min walk)
- Church: Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário (102 m · ~1 min walk)
- Church: Igreja Presbiteriana (291 m · ~4 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centro Comercial Paris — 164 m · ~2 min walk
Praça Pereira Oliveira — 95 m · ~1 min walk
Casa da Memória Annita Hoepcke da Silva — 106 m · ~1 min walk
Teatro Álvaro de Carvalho — 143 m · ~2 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco do Brasil — 269 m · ~3 min walk
Phytomaster — 170 m · ~2 min walk
Minimercado Franpris — 408 m · ~5 min walk
Terminal Urbano Cidade de Florianópolis — 500 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Brazilian Real, BRL
Change money at a local bank or currency exchange office (Casa de Câmbio) for a better rate. Be wary of exchanging at the airport or tourist bureau, as the rates are often unfavorable.
Most restaurants, shops, and cafes accept major credit and debit cards, as well as contactless payments. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. For restaurants, 5-10% is sufficient, while for taxis, rounding up the fare or leaving R$2-5 is customary.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical café serving strong coffee and pastries can cost around R$5-7.
A street food stall or a simple restaurant serving traditional Brazilian dishes can cost around R$15-20 for a meal.
A mid-range restaurant serving local specialties can cost around R$40-60 for a main course.
The Mercado Público and surrounding streets in the historic center have a variety of street food options.
Local supermarkets like Pão de Açúcar and Carrefour have several locations in the area, offering a range of products at affordable prices.
The local markets and shops in the historic center offer affordable clothing options, with prices starting from around R$20-30 for a basic item.
A day pass on the Florianópolis bus system costs R$7.50, while a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around R$50-70.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead.Use public transport or walk/bike whenever possible to save money.Shop at local markets and supermarkets instead of high-end shopping centers.
Good to know — Florianopolis
Type C/N · 127/220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ R$5.11 · BRL
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Florianopolis, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Downtown Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco do Brasil — 269 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Phytomaster — 170 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Florianopolis Airport → Pousada Drops de Aniz
💡 Airport Uber has a separate pick-up zone to the right of the main exit. 99Pop is usually 15–20% cheaper but drivers are less likely to accept the long route. On peak summer weekends, double the estimated time.
Florianopolis Airport (Hercílio Luz) → Pousada Drops de Aniz (Praia Brava)
💡 Buy a fixed-price voucher at the airport booth right after baggage claim to avoid surge or meter games. The trip north is about 45km—longer if traffic hits the bridges.
TICEN (Central Bus Terminal, Florianopolis centre) → Praia Brava (final stop, 200m from pousada)
💡 This air-conditioned line runs via the north coast and drops you right at the beach. Buy a rechargeable bus card at TICEN—cash is not accepted onboard. Don't take the cheaper 331; it's slower and stops further inland.
Florianopolis Airport → Praia Brava (hotel drop-off)
💡 These vans run from the airport exit and serve the north beaches. Look for the 'Praia Brava' sign. They're cheaper than a taxi and almost as fast, but don't accept credit cards inside the van—carry small notes in reais.
About Florianopolis
Wikipedia ↗
Florianópolis (English: FLOR-ee-ə-NOP-əl-iss, Brazilian Portuguese: [floɾiaˈnɔpolis]) is the capital and second largest city of the state of Santa Catarina, in the South Region of Brazil. The city encompasses Santa Catarina Island and surrounding small islands, as well as part of the mainland. It h...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Downtown Hostel?
Request rooms on the higher floors (4th floor or above) for better views of the city and reduced noise from the street. The hotel has a lift, so you won't have to worry about climbing stairs.
Which rooms should I avoid at Downtown Hostel?
Avoid rooms near the lift, as it may be noisy, especially during peak hours. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance might experience some noise from staff and deliveries.
Is Downtown Hostel noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise from Rua Anita Garibaldi, which can be busy and lively, especially at night.
Which rooms have the best views at Downtown Hostel?
You can expect views of the surrounding cityscape, with possible glimpses of the ocean from higher floors, given the hotel's location on a hill.
What are insider tips for staying at Downtown Hostel?
Park on the street, as parking is free, but be mindful of parking restrictions. Request a room with a hair dryer, as it's not guaranteed for all rooms.
What time is check-in at Downtown Hostel?
Check-in at Downtown Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Downtown Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free fibre-optic internet throughout the hostel, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Downtown Hostel?
R$ 5.00 per night per person (Monday to Thursday), R$ 7.00 per night per person (Friday to Sunday)
Where can I eat cheaply near Downtown Hostel?
A street food stall or a simple restaurant serving traditional Brazilian dishes can cost around R$15-20 for a meal.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Downtown Hostel?
A day pass on the Florianópolis bus system costs R$7.50, while a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around R$50-70.
When is the best time to visit Florianopolis?
The best months to visit Florianopolis are January and February, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 27°C (81°F), and the crowds are relatively manageable. March is also a good option, as the weather is still pleasant, and the summer crowds haven't yet arrived.
Top Attractions in Florianopolis
💡 Try the oyster bar at Box 42. Six oysters cost about R$15. Avoid the souvenir stalls outside—they mark up prices for tourists.
💡 For the best free view, hike the short trail up Morro da Lagoa at sunset. The path starts behind the church in the village centre.
💡 Arrive before 10am on weekends to get a parking spot near the dunes. Bring sunscreen and water; there are few shade options.
💡 Combine this with a walk along the nearby Praia do Forte beach. On clear days you can see the mainland mountains. Bring a picnic; there are benches on the fortress walls.
💡 Entry costs R$10 (about £1.50). Go early morning or late afternoon when the light is golden and the sand is cool. The trail to the ocean lookout is 1.5km and takes about 30 minutes.